We all thought that the doomsday scenario of Straiton had been successfully navigated and we were going to stay at ER for a long time to come.

How our hopes were to be dashed. News reaches mass hibsteria that Sir Tom has accepted a bid for the Easter Road stadium from Miller Homes to sell the famous Easter Road stadium for housing development. Recent relaxations in planning regulations mean that substantial plots of land running to several acres are now able to host approximately 50% more houses and flats than before. As the Easter Road stands are already in the region of six storeys high, it makes the land that Hibs own much more valuable than other surrounding sites.

A spokesman for Rydens commented: "Hibs have hit the jackpot. We were aware of possible changes to planning law, but the new regulations due on the 1st March 2005 mean that buildings can be replaced up to their current height. There are very few industrial buildings that have as many as storeys as Hibs stadium does, which makes it the number one site in Edinburgh".

Initial estimates suggest that the land may be sold for £62M, with a shared profits incentive taking the financial benefit to Hibs in the region of £70M. This would allow Hibs to share Murrayfield whilst Sir Tom locates a more appropriate location.

Hibs are believed to be looking at new sites in the Granton re-development area, in addition to Leith Docks. Whilst they are confident that an agreement may be found, no site is currently earmarked.

Although initial discussions have taken place with the SRU for just one season, it might be that Hibs end up at Murrayfield for longer.

Sir Tom was unavailable for comment tonight. More on this incredible story as we get it.